In a statement released this afternoon, McPartlin confirmed that he will be seeking further treatment, and that this week's episode of Saturday Night Takeaway would not be broadcast. “Ant has decided to go back into treatment and step down from his current TV commitments," the statement reads. “He has spoken with Dec and ITV today and asked for time off for the foreseeable future. As such Saturday Night Takeaway will not be going ahead this Saturday.”

Saturday Night Takeaway returned for its 15th series in February, drawing an audience of almost nine million. Telegraph TV critic Ed Power described the season premiere as "radioactively cheerful" and "boundlessly energetic" in a four-star review. There are three episodes left in the current series, which is broadcast live from London.

Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly

Earlier today, McPartlin's ITV colleague Lorraine Kelly had asserted that he would return to the show. Speaking on her TV show Lorraine, she said: "Poor guy... a lot of people are speculating he won't be there for Saturday Night Takeaway. He will."Kelly said she would be "astounded" if McPartlin were to leave the show. "I'd be very surprised, he's such a worker," she said. "He's such a professional."

However, she added that his wellbeing must come first: "If it's not right for him to be on the show, he won't be on the show."

The Telegraph has approached ITV and McPartlin's representatives for comment.